AI Cycling Glasses, Algae Paddle Board, FKT Book, and More Emerging Gear

This week’s roster of rad gear runs the full spectrum of innovation. Those obsessed with the frontlines of technology will want to check out the futuristic AI technology built into cycling glasses, a redesigned camping chair, or the latest watch collaboration with the Navy Seal Foundation.

At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve got a limited-release book dedicated to outdoor endurance records and a coffee mug that supports print journalism and the national parks. Or maybe you’re looking for something sustainable? Then don’t miss the oyster-shell shirts or the SUP board with an algae deck pad. All that and more is right here in Emerging Gear.

BleeqUp Ranger AI Cycling Glasses

Do you like the idea of recording your bike rides — without a camera stuck to the top of your helmet? Take a look at the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for the BleeqUp Ranger, which calls itself the “world’s first 4-in-1 AI cycling glasses.”

Those four functions include eyewear protection, an action camera, open-ear audio, and walkie-talkie-style communication. In other words, BleeqUp threw the proverbial kitchen sink at this one.

By integrating a high-quality, AI-powered camera into professional cycling glasses, the brand makes it possible to record an hour of 1080p video. You can get another 4 hours with an additional helmet-mountable battery pack (which also doubles as a tail light).

Don’t like editing? Well, these glasses let you skip that step by allowing the AI to choose the best moments and automatically edit them together with a single button.

The glasses have a UV400 rating, an anti-fog design, an adjustable nose pad, and a wraparound lens. Built-in open-ear headphones provide walkie-talkie functionality for chatting with friends on the trail or receiving calls in an emergency — without interfering with your ability to listen for road hazards.

There are also hands-free voice controls and even onboard navigation. It lands on Kickstarter later this month, though you can reserve one now with a $10 deposit.

BOTE Breeze Bloom

Lauded as suitable for any level of paddler and easy to carry at 26 pounds, the latest inflatable SUP board from BOTE carries an especially unique feature.

The Breeze Bloom — a special edition of the Breeze Aero model — has a deck pad made with Bloom algae. According to BOTE, this environmentally friendly material can help reduce harmful algae blooms by harvesting nuisance algae and returning clean water to the environment.

The $700 price tag is also reasonable for a lightweight, inflatable SUP board.

‘Fastest Known Times’ Book

Boutique publisher Volume is putting out some of the coolest outdoor-themed books we’ve seen. After printing just 500 copies of the Outdoor Archive, a collection of 100 years of outdoor magazine covers, Volume is now launching a fundraising campaign for what it calls the “first-ever book dedicated to Fastest Known Times (FKTs).”

Showcasing the “exhilarating pursuit of speed records on remote and iconic trails worldwide,” the book is curated by Buzz Burrell, known as the “Father of FKT” and the co-founder of the Fastest Known Times website. It includes “stunning photography” for the stories behind ambitious FKT attempts, along with training tips from those who’ve run them.

There are contributions from Jasmin Paris, the first female finisher of the Barkley Marathons, as well as Western States 100 and UTMB winner Jim Walmsley. To get your copy, order one before the campaign ends on March 27.

Luminox Navy SEAL Foundation 3600 Series

The partnership between Swiss brand Luminox and the Navy SEAL Foundation has resulted in some stellar watches. In GearJunkie’s 2023 review of the Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Automatic, Josh Wussow called it a “wonderful watch” that “represents everything Luminox does well — tritium, ruggedness, and wearability.”

Now Luminox has dropped the limited-edition Navy Seal Foundation 3600 Series “I GOT YOUR 6.” Inspired by this special forces’ mantra of having your teammate’s back, the launch is limited to 1,006 exclusive pieces worldwide. Made from the brand’s trademark carbon fiber-based material, the watch has a 46mm case, uni-directional bezel construction, and 200m water resistance.

Print Ain’t Dead Collection

The print medium still has plenty to offer the world, as proven by the admirable work of outdoor culture magazine Mountain Gazette. There are a few spring issues left to order, but you can also support the magazine through its merch collection, which includes posters, tees, mugs, sweatshirts, and stickers.

So if you’re like us, and truly believe that “Print Ain’t Dead,” then you’ll probably enjoy this merch for lovers of the written word.

It also includes the When In Doubt Park Mug ($18), with an image of an upside-down American flag hung in protest on El Capitan last week as part of widespread protests over park firings.

RTIC 22 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler

RTIC makes some pretty sweet coolers, which is why the brand consistently makes our Best Coolers of 2025 buying guide. Now it’s launching the 22 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler.

The latest release in its Ultra-Light Cooler line, this medium-sized cooler sports some hefty wheels and a retractable handle for easy mobility. It can hold six upright wine bottles (or 28 cans), and it works with RTIC add-ons like wine holders and a freezable divider. A 2.3-inch closed-cell foam insulation keeps contents cold for up to 6 days, according to the brand. It sells for $170.

LIVSN Creek Shirt

A lightweight garment built for humid trails or churning rivers, the Creek Shirt is a breathable button-up made from sustainable materials. This new release from LIVSN (a brand that turned GearJunkie Editor in Chief Adam Ruggiero into an overalls lover) is its latest technical garment made for both men and women.

It’s also made from Seawool Ripstop fabric, a material derived from recycled oyster shells and plastic bottles. The fabric is known for its lightweight (102gsm), breathable, and quick-drying properties, according to LIVSN. Snag the Creek Shirt for $150.

Helinox Chair One (re)

Speaking of sustainably made products, we also have the Chair One (re), an upgrade of Helinox’s classic camping chair. The new Chair One (re) is more comfortable and stable, and it integrates repurposed aluminum shavings from the manufacturing process, the brand said.

This update to a classic proved one of the most standout products GearJunkie saw at last month’s Outdoor Market Alliance showcase.

It’s also got a new dual-tension technology, dubbed (re)Tension Design. This adds a second tension line within the perimeter of the chair to distribute weight more evenly around the frame, Helinox said.

The feature is also available in the Chair One High-Back (re), which has extra shoulder and upper back support. Both the seat and carry case are made from Bluesign-certified recycled 300D polyester.

The Chair One (re) costs $120.

4 Hour Fuel

After years of testing at some of the world’s toughest endurance events, 4 Hour Fuel emerges this spring with fresh flavors and an upgraded formula. The energy mix is made in Oregon for athletes in ultra events and bike races.

Using natural, plant-based ingredients, 4 Hour Fuel is touted to give its namesake 4 hours of sustained energy per serving. It’s made to replace energy gels and bars as a faster-to-consume, drinkable option. Flavors include berry, horchata, lemon, and (new this spring) watermelon/pineapple and mango. It costs $30 for a 12-hour serving size.

Skratch Labs Grape Gummies

Skratch Labs’ energy gummies are like Krispy Kreme donuts: I don’t know why they’re so delicious, and I don’t care.

Of course, the former option is probably a better idea for a mid-run snack than a donut, and now the Boulder, Colorado-based brand has dropped a new grape flavor in its line of Energy Chews Sport Fuel. They cost $2.75 for a single pouch or $27 for a 10-pack. Given that the Lemon+Green Tea gummies might just be my favorite gummies of all time, I’m betting this new Concord Grape flavor ain’t too shabby, either.